Black Bean Fried Rice

Black bean fried rice served with tortillia chips.

1 yellow onion, diced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (14 oz.) can corn, drained
crushed black pepper, to taste
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup brown rice
1 cup water
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

In a large sauce pan, toss the diced onion with the olive oil and salt. Saute over medium heat until the onion is softened and transparent.

Add the tomatoes, corn, and spices to the pan. Saute for another two minutes, then add the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked.

Add the black beans. Bring the heat back up to medium and stir the rice occasionally until the beans are heated through. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime as a side, with chips, or as burrito filling.

Spicy Artichoke Salad

Artichoke and black bean salad over a bed of greens.

3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red chili flakes
1/4 tsp. salt
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
mixed greens, chopped

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Drain the artichoke hearts and slice them into quarters. Fry the artichoke hearts in the pan, stir them occasionally, until slightly browned.

Add the black beans, vinegar, salt, and chili flakes to the pan. Continue frying until the beans are just heated through, then remove from heat.

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Either chill the salad first, or serve it over mixed greens immediately.